Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is an emerging technology that can be used during transport, and to preserve and condition lungs prior to transplantation. The utilization of EVLP is not currently reported to the OPTN, so the OPTN cannot determine how many lungs have been perfused and then transplanted. In the spring of 2015, the OPTN will implement changes to the OPTN TIEDI® forms, including the Deceased Donor Registration form (DDR). Through the modified DDR, Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) will report whether an accepting transplant program intends to perfuse the lungs prior to transplant. However, there is no corresponding field on the Transplant Recipient Registration form (TRR) for transplant programs to report whether lungs were perfused prior to transplant. The Thoracic Committee believes it is important to capture this information to monitor lung allocation, recipient safety, and organ and patient outcomes. This information will also be important for future policy development and risk adjustment for member-specific performance measures.
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